It is true: I imagine my life as different or improved or better. It is not because I am not grateful, quite the contrary. Mel once said to me he could never figure out why people say, “It could be worse.” He wonders why people automatically think the worst rather than thinking better for themselves and stating the opposite to this popular phrase with; “Things are good, but they can always be better.” Odd how that all translates. One statement is in a negative voice, but it is the other one in the positive voice that is viewed as the person saying it as negative, or they appear ungrateful. Oh the semantics of language combined with human behaviour; how peculiar we are!

Mel exposed me to a new way of looking at the phrase and I am challenged by the very thought of it being possible. I like his, improved, version. I gravitate toward the mere possibility of it happening. Something more, something better, something improved is worth striving for in life and in art. I return to the drawing board of this design daily.

I see my future in all of my creations. Yes, I mean my “real”, “live” future. Since I work in a meditative state while creating I allow my hands to have free-reign to create from the concept running around in my imagination. The imagination is capable of creating the impossible so I let my hands show me the way.

It is as though my art is my messenger and once complete it is a gift back to me informing me of my future, so bright. Each and every time I complete a stage of the work or bring a piece to completion the work almost whispers into my ear - “Be patient Frances and have hope. Can’t you see your future is being designed, right before your eyes.”

This is not hocus-pocus I am referring to when I talk of seeing my future, nor is it artsy, feely, new-age, mumbo jumbo. It is real - just as my art is real. The only element required from me in this design is, to believe. To believe in the messages, reflecting from my art, and to move my life forward every chance presented. Always move forward, no matter what challenges come each day. The art tells the story of my life: past, present and future. Art cannot lie. Art is honest and it is truth. Maybe the meditation practice in art provides objectivity, once the art is alive in all its splendor. It is in taking the idea, or concept, or project toward completion that gifts and rewards are reflected back into my consciousness.

When I look at where I am now with art I know my art has improved, over time, with practise. I don’t think I would ever look at anything I create, after it is finished, and say, “It could be worse!” My art and my life are intertwined and I hope I will always feel motivated to improve both, each and every day I am here.